Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo shimmered with color and chant Wednesday as Hōʻike night — the exhibition evening — kicked off the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival, bringing a cross‑Pacific program of hula and folk dance to an audience gathered for the festival’s opening showcase.
The evening opened with the ceremonial entry of this year’s Royal Court, followed by the national anthem Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī performed by Alakaʻi Paleka and a pule offered by Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard. Hōʻike, traditionally an opportunity for halau to present repertoire outside the pressure of competition, featured several of Hawaiʻi’s best‑known hula schools and ensembles sharing dances that reflect lineages, place and chant traditions.
Among the halau taking the stage were Hālau O Kekuhi, led by Nālani Kanakaʻole with Huihui Kanahele‑Mossman; Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua under Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero; Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani; Nā Wai ʻEhā O Puna; and Waimāpuna. The bill underscored a mix of established kumu and rising leaders presenting both historic choreographies and newer compositions that draw on island histories and familial kumu lineages.
Organisers also unveiled the festival’s Royal Court for 2026. Ikaika Marzo serves as Mōʻī Kāne and Rachel Hualani Loo as Mōʻī Wahine, with Koa Marzo as Kākāʻōlelo and Cassi Keawe named Kahu. Other named roles include Kaʻilimehana Segawa‑Loo as Nā Aliʻi Ukali and Kekoa Harman and Kamuela Chun as Nā Mea Oli — with Harman handling oli duties for Wednesday’s Hōʻike as well as Friday and the parade, and Chun slated for Thursday and Saturday.
The court’s roster continues with three titled princes: Kainoa James Monroe Kahoonei as Prince David Kahalepouli Kawānanakoa, Micah Kealohalokuikapuuwai Kahoonei as Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, and Keanukai Whitney as Prince Edward Abnel Keliʻiahonui. Wai Jamile was named Paʻa Pūloʻuloʻu, while the festival’s musicians and kahili bearers — listed as Nā Kānaka Hoʻokani Pū and Nā Paʻa Kāhili — include Kamalu Adviento, Kalokuokamaile Angleo, Kalaʻi Comilla Yockman, Enoka Kalahiki, Ekolu Moniz III and Kaimi Ikaika Kalimahana I Ka Moana Santos, Dennis Kamakaikealii Santos, Alakaʻi Shaver and Kyle Hokumai Taeru Sears, respectively.
Hōʻike night traditionally frames the Merrie Monarch’s competitive program, allowing halau to present pieces that set cultural and aesthetic context for the judging nights to come. The festival remains one of the most prominent gatherings celebrating hula, chant and Hawaiian cultural practice, drawing performers and visitors from across the islands and the Pacific. Audiences who missed the stadium presentation were directed to the Merrie Monarch Festival’s online hub for additional coverage and livestreaming options.